The summer heat can play havoc with our bodies. In fact, strange things happen to our bodies when we spend time out in the summer sun. Of course, you know about the importance of sun screen for our children, life jackets for our boaters, and the buddy system for everyone while out in the water. But sometimes, we forget to take care of ourselves I think. Here are some tips for you so you, too, can enjoy the summer sun and stay safe.
Tip 1. It is extremely important to stay hydrated. No, those glasses of Chardonnay do not count as a hydration methods! In fact, alcohol will dehydrate you quickly - sorry to say. I'm talking about good, old-fashioned water. If you are outside, having a couple of kid-free hours, enjoying some me-time with a great book, you need to stay hydrated because if you don't, you will start to get dizzy, begin to sweat, your body will have to work harder to pump blood which will make you more sweaty as your body tries to cool you down and then, BOOM - dizziness, lightheadedness and a big, fat headache. Now, even I know the importance of this and it still happened to me because I was engrossed in my book, I didn't take a few minutes to go in and get a bottle of water. Not a difficult task, I know, but I just didn't do it. The good news is, there is a remedy for this using essential oils. According to Penny Keay of Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy, LLC, simply drink 16 oz. of water (or more) and smell some peppermint essential oil (ZAQ Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil is my choice) and rosemary oil (Birch Hill Happenings Rosemary). After which she advises to lie down for a bit and you should feel much better in a short time.
Tip 2. Yes, we make our kids use sunscreen and we make the neighbor kid use sunscreen, but sitting outside reading that book, we may wait a bit too long to put some on ourselves. In my case, I tell myself, "I'm going in to get a bottle of water and I'll grab the sunscreen then...just as soon as I finish this chapter." By that time, I'm starting to feel my skin getting a little hot. If you happen to stay out a little longer than that, essential oils can come to the rescue for that, too. Pick up one of those little spray bottles, I can usually find them at our local Dollar Tree, and mix 4 drops each of the following oils ZAQ's 100% Pure Lavender Oil (for its healing capabilities), ZAQ's 100% Pure Peppermint Oil (for its soothing ability), and Youngliving Rose Essential Oil (which is wonderful for moisturizing damaged skin and reducing redness) with either water or better yet, aloe vera juice. Remember to spray your sunburn frequently and do not rub your burn, be gentle to your skin and let it heal.
Tip 3. The dreaded heat rash. This one just seems to pop up out of nowhere! Your body, when it gets hot, tries to cool itself down by sweating. Then, the sweat evaporates and this leaves our bodies cooler than before. However, when a sweat gland clogs up and the sweat can't get to the skin, the heat gets trapped under the skin and causes the heat rash to happen. It is important at this point to expose the body to fresh air and to avoid synthetic clothing. Next, you must get yourself out of the situation you are in that is causing you to sweat and find yourself in a situation where you can take a bath using essential oils. Essential oils are what will help you with this rash. Here is what you do to get rid of that rash as soon as possible because it will be sore and itchy.
Fill a bathtub with warm but cooler water and add 4 drops of ZAQ's 100% Pure Lavender Oil and 1 cup of baking soda. Swirl the water around to mix it up and then lie in the water, making sure to cover the heat rash, for 30 minutes.
I hope I have helped you with some summer sun problems. Are there things you can suggest to me that I may have missed? I'd love to hear from you!
*Photo credit: Breanne Bitar, instagram-@breannebitar
Kris Bitar
